Agartala, Nov 12 The ruling BJP in Tripura on Thursday issued a show-cause notice to its Boxanagar MLA Tafajjal Hossain over alleged objectionable remarks about the lifestyle and food habits of indigenous people, triggering a political row in the northeastern state.
Hossain came under fire after a video purportedly showing him making the remarks surfaced, drawing criticism from various quarters.
The MLA has since apologised, saying he had no intention of hurting the sentiments of indigenous people in the state.
“The party has raised concerns over your conduct, stating that the alleged statements could have implications for party discipline and organisational interests,” said the notice signed by Tapas Bhattacharjee, convener of the state BJP disciplinary committee.
The notice sought an explanation from Hossain over the allegations and asked him to clarify his position within seven days, failing which the party would take appropriate action.
Earlier in the day, Chief Minister Manik Saha told reporters that the matter had come to his notice and had been discussed with state BJP president Abhishek Debroy.
“The party will take a decision on the matter. If there is a need for intervention of law, it will be taken care of,” he said.
Saha said the MLA had already apologised for his alleged misconduct, adding that “the style of delivering speech is not the same for all persons”.
Reacting to the chief minister’s remarks, Leader of Opposition Jitendra Chaudhury said two complaints had been lodged against the MLA at West Agartala police station, but the police had not registered FIRs.
“If an FIR is not registered against the MLA for his ‘objectionable and disgraceful’ remarks aimed at disturbing communal harmony, the CPI(M) will approach the court,” he said.
Senior Congress MLA Sudip Roy Barman also demanded registration of an FIR against Hossain under the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act over his remarks targeting indigenous people.
(PTI News)
